USC vs. Oregon: The Battle for 4-Star QB Jonas Williams Heats Up
In today’s evolving college football landscape, on-field success alone is no longer enough to secure top recruits. The Oregon Ducks, led by head coach Dan Lanning, had a dominant 2024 season, holding the No. 1 ranking for eight consecutive weeks. However, their run came to an abrupt end in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Despite the setback, Oregon managed to attract several high-profile prospects, including Jonas Williams, the No. 6 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class. However, recent developments suggest that USC, under Lincoln Riley, might be gaining the upper hand in securing Williams’ commitment.
Jonas Williams’ Recruitment Takes an Interesting Turn
In a recent episode of On3 Recruits on February 5, recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong provided key updates on the status of Jonas Williams, a 4-star quarterback who committed to Oregon in August 2023. Despite his previous pledge, Williams was spotted visiting USC, raising speculation about a potential flip in commitment. Wiltfong reported that Lincoln Riley had a meeting with Williams ahead of his visit to USC, and discussions with Williams’ father, John Williams, revealed that academics played a significant role in their decision-making process.
John Williams emphasized that “academics is a big deal” for his son and that USC’s strong educational programs and off-field resources were major factors in their growing interest. The Trojans’ academic reputation, combined with their extensive support network in Los Angeles, has positioned them as a serious contender for Williams’ final commitment.
USC’s Academic and Athletic Edge in Recruitment
USC has long been regarded as one of the top institutions in the nation, not just for its athletic success but also for its academic excellence. The school boasts a student body of 47,000 for the 2024-25 academic year and received over 80,000 applications. Its strong alumni network, beautiful campus, and deep-rooted sports tradition make it an attractive choice for top recruits.
When factoring in Lincoln Riley’s track record with quarterbacks, the appeal of USC becomes even stronger. Riley has coached three Heisman-winning quarterbacks—Baker Mayfield (2017), Kyler Murray (2018), and Caleb Williams (2022)—all of whom were selected No. 1 overall in their respective NFL drafts. This history of quarterback development has caught the attention of Williams and his family, making USC a strong competitor against Oregon in his recruitment.
Can Oregon Hold Off USC’s Push?
While USC has made strides in Williams’ recruitment, Oregon is not backing down. The Ducks have established themselves as a powerhouse under Dan Lanning, consistently producing top-tier talent and achieving on-field success. However, with USC’s focus on academics and Riley’s proven ability to develop elite quarterbacks, the Trojans may have the edge in this particular battle.
Despite USC’s recruiting momentum, their 2024 season was less than stellar, finishing with a 7-6 record. However, Lincoln Riley was still recognized as a finalist for the 2024 Dodd Trophy, which honors coaches who excel in scholarship, leadership, and integrity. This highlights Riley’s emphasis on player development beyond just football, a factor that has resonated with the Williams family.
Williams, currently ranked as the No. 85 overall player in the nation and the top recruit in Illinois, recently visited USC for Junior Day. Additionally, he and Riley attended a basketball game together at the Galen Center, further strengthening their relationship. If USC continues to build this connection, Oregon may have difficulty holding onto their prized recruit.
The Final Decision: USC or Oregon?
As Williams weighs his options, the decision will ultimately come down to what he values most—Oregon’s recent on-field success or USC’s blend of academic prestige and quarterback development. With Lincoln Riley making strong moves to secure his commitment, Dan Lanning will need to step up his efforts if he hopes to keep Williams in Oregon’s 2026 class. The recruiting battle is far from over, but USC appears to have gained a significant advantage in this high-stakes competition.